The state Supreme Court this afternoon shot down City Council's last-ditch effort to stall construction of Foxwoods, a controversial casino proposed for the Delaware riverfront in South Philly. The court on April 2 ruled that Council had improperly blocked efforts by Foxwoods to get zoning changes needed to start construction. The court ordered the city to change the zoning and to turn over to Foxwoods gas and water rights-of-way under Reed and Dickinson streets.

Supreme Court Denies City Council On Foxwoods -- Again

Chris Brennan

Posted:
Friday, May 9, 2008, 5:26 PM

The state Supreme Court this afternoon shot down City Council's last-ditch effort to stall construction of Foxwoods, a controversial casino proposed for the Delaware riverfront in South Philly. The court on April 2 ruled that Council had improperly blocked efforts by Foxwoods to get zoning changes needed to start construction. The court ordered the city to change the zoning and to turn over to Foxwoods gas and water rights-of-way under Reed and Dickinson streets.

Attorneys for City Council hung their hopes on those rights-of-way, telling the court on April 16 that the 2004 law that legalized casinos prohibits the taking of city-owned property for a casino project. Mayor Nutter's administration, through the city Law Department, on April 30 agreed with Council, telling the court it shouldn't "cede control and authority and decision-making" to Foxwoods for property the casino doesn't own.

The court today refused to consider its ruling, denying Council's request to re-argue the case. The order hasn't been posted as of now on the court's web page but it is listed in the case's docket.

About this blog

William Bender, a Drexel graduate who landed at the Daily News in 2007, has covered everything from South Philly mobsters to doomsday hucksters. He occasionally writes about local food trucks and always eats everything on his plate, whether it be a bloody rib eye or a corrupt politician. E-mail tips to benderw@phillynews.com Follow William on Twitter

David Gambacorta, has been a reporter with the Daily News since 2005, covering crime, police corruption and all of the other bizarre things that happen in Philadelphia. Now he’s covering the 2015 mayor’s race, because he enjoys a good circus just as much as the next guy. He’s always looking to get a cup of coffee. Send news tips and other musings on life to gambacd@phillynews.com Follow David on Twitter